Farmers in Njoro in Nakuru county have adopted a bean variety known as mucuna to fertilize their soils.
The farmers intercrop mucuna beans with staple crops like maize, a move that has seen some double yields even as their counterparts struggle with the application of conventional fertilizers.
“We learned about the use of the bean from our forefathers who never used any commercial fertilizers, yet low yields and weeds were alien to them. To those who have crossed over to our side, the results have been instant and commendable,” said Kariuki Mworia, one of the farmers who has never used conventional fertilizers since he started farming.
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Mucuna bean is a powerful nitrogen-fixing plant and has the ability to fix 150kgs of nitrogen for every hectare. The bean also contributes to the production of approximately 35 tonnes of organic matter per hectare.
The crop is incorporated as a cover crop, with its leaves left to decompose naturally in the fields. This practice enhances soil structure, moisture retention, and nutrient availability, resulting in improved crop growth and yield.
Other superior characteristics of the bean are the ability to control weeds as well as prevent soil erosion.
The crop is, however, not ideal for human and animal consumption, with some reports alleging that it is poisonous to livestock.